So, how many of you don't fit the sterotype, over 6 foot if you are a guy or 5'"8 if you are a gal. I'm only 5'4", so how many of us are there out there?
In this instancce, I'm glad you are going with your first impression. Anyway, I already reported that I got better. It is no cakewalk to be tall, either. The world is engineered for (and maybe by) the average height person, whoever he is. Imagine trying to stuff Shaquille O'Neal into a Renault Dauphine.
first of all, michael, I don't believe you.
second of all, I was most emotionally scared over my height during rowing in college. everyone around me was a giant! Back then my rowing coach convinced me that I was 5'6. So, for all those years I felt better about it. Then, just a couple of years ago, my husband measured me--sure enough I'm only 5'4.5.
My coach had lied to me for a confidence booster.
So, yes, I'm short...but wear high heels alot.
Jerrycat, I'm only 5'3".75 (lol) and I very seldom wear heels (even though I 'dress for success' at work). When I tell people how tall I am I usually get, something like, No, you aren't THAT SHORT! I think its because I square my shoulders, walk tall/confident.
Lainey,
Yeah, I know what you mean...in fact, my career has been primed by working with very astute businessmen. I had to stand strong to survive, let alone be an equal! Lately, I've found myself rethinking the heels...square shoulders, plus a fierce attitude--no need for the extra few inches.
Lol,
jerrycat
Michael is actually twice as tall as Mel Goldstein:D The 234 pounds and floating like a cork is pretty correct.
There are sure a lot of great masters swimmers who are short people.
Mel, Nancy, many many under 5'4".
I love breaststroke because it is the one stroke where size matters least. The animal heats can have short men and women, tall, all body types (skinny, large, jumbo).
Okay I think I've got most of the women & men out there beat...I'm 4' 9 3/4", and will probably shrink in the golden years still to come.
My times are still improving and I definitely get to reel in the taller people on the 400IM after butterfly. But I have also known twins at 4' 11" who swam in college their 100 yd br times were a 1:10 the other a 1:07 both PR's and awesome times, but hmmmm 3 seconds difference and they're twins, and I also watched them beat others who were taller!
Beware of the short people! We rock!...and have plenty of space on airplanes!
Karla
Well, with *** there are different sizes. Anyway, Tara Kirk is only 5'6" and Kristy Kowal over 6'0". Also, breaststrokers along with some sprint flyers tend to be more heavier built than either freestylers or backstrokers. In my youth I was best at *** and fly. Now, mainly ***.
You little fellows have the big advantage of the mysterious "leverage" effect. It is really easy to get your short stubby arms and legs spinning around real fast, and since the joints are so close together, you use exponentially less energy to move along in the water! It is a wonder that more world records are not held by midgets.
